Shutdown Corner

Tim Tebow at running back is something Rex Ryan would consider

The Jets continue to try to find new ways to use backup quarterback Tim Tebow, either despite or because everything else they've tried with him has failed.

Tebow's only real success so far this season came on the gorgeously thrown textbook pass he made to Nick Bellore on a fake punt this past Sunday (see video above). Aside from that, the Tebow in New York experiment has been pretty much a bust. He's only attempted three passes, and on 18 rushing attempts is averaging just 3.6 yards a carry, despite one of those attempts going for 22 yards.

But he can always expand his horizons. Up next: Running back. And why not? The young man still doesn't have a handle on the position he practiced for four years in college, so why not assume he can play a different position at an NFL level immediately?

"That's a possibility," Ryan said. "The thing about Tim, with him being a football player like we've always talked about, by playing quarterback he knows all the positions and so, can you plug him in at running back? Can you plug him in at tight end, whatever? I think the answer is yes."

Well sure, they can. If they want to, they can sign Kerri Strug and start her at middle linebacker, but that doesn't make it a good idea.

And I'm not trying to insult Tebow here or belittle his abilities, but to think he'll be able to step in at the running back position and play as well as elite athletes who have been practicing their craft for years and years … well, that seems unlikely to me. It doesn't mean he can't contribute or fill in temporarily, but the notion that Tebow at running back or Tebow at tight end is going to have any major impact on the Jets is a little nutty.

The Jets are having some injury and depth problems at running back at the moment, but starter Shonn Greene is coming off his best game of the season. He ran for 161 yards and three touchdowns against the Colts. Maybe we should see if Greene can keep his momentum going before we let Tebowmania infect another spot on the depth chart.